The world’s leading congress on intestinal failure, rehabilitation and transplantation management took place in Auckland this week. 

The 17th Congress of the Intestinal Rehabilitation & Transplant Association (CIRTA) was held at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel from 30 June – 2 July, bringing together international experts and researchers to discuss the challenges in managing intestinal failure. 

Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) — a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited — worked with Dr Helen Evans, Head of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland to secure the rights to host the congress here. Tourism New Zealand also provided support for the bid.  

An expert in the field of intestinal failure and transplant in Australasia, Dr Evans championed the creation of the National Intestinal Failure and Rehabilitation Service in New Zealand, which opened in 2015. 

The service is the first of its kind in the world treating newborns, children and adults with intestinal failure and rehabilitation throughout the country. 

Dr Evans says: “We are very excited to be bringing this congress to Auckland and putting New Zealand on the world stage. 

“We have a fantastic programme this year incorporating a strong Allied Health component. Intestinal failure is complex and challenging to treat and the congress will bring together experts to share knowledge that will leave lasting legacies for patient care."

Close to 400 attendees have registered for the three-day programme which will take place as a hybrid event. This is the first time CIRTA is being held in New Zealand.  

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Head of Major and Business Events Richard Clarke says there are many benefits of hosting CIRTA in Auckland.   

“Attracting and hosting medical congresses of this calibre shows Auckland is an innovative city. It provides us with another opportunity to showcase Auckland and what it has to offer visitors. 

“At the same time, bringing together world-leading experts who will share the latest research to help improve the lives of New Zealanders, and others, living with this condition.” 

Tourism New Zealand’s Global Manager of Business Events, Bjoern Spritzer says: “International conferences like this one have the potential to leave positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities and city hosting them. This is a real boost for Auckland and through the hybrid/virtual environment we can showcase New Zealand’s medical expertise on the world stage.” 
 

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Our evolving city

Visitors to Auckland will have a number of new hotels, restaurants, bars and visitor attractions to choose from. Beautification projects in the city centre and Viaduct precinct have also boosted the region’s world-class offering for visitors and residents.  

New hotel openings include the Park Hyatt, Sudima Hotel, QT and Hotel Britomart. New attractions include Weta Workshop Unleashed and the All Blacks Experience and on the food scene a host of new eateries by celebrity chefs, including Homeland by Peter Gordon, a food embassy, cooking school and restaurant.   

Several business event venues and facilities have also been revamped.  This closely follows the opening of Commercial Bay, which many of our international visitors may not have had the opportunity to experience.  

 

Would you like to know more about how we can support you hosting an event in Auckland? Connect with the team:

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Our Team
Ken Pereira
Manager Business Events - Australia
Gemma Wood
Business Events Manager - Domestic & International